Meet your 2013 Detroit Tigers

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Justin VerlanderStarting pitcher

No. 35THROWS: RBATS: RHEIGHT: 6-5

WEIGHT: 225AGE: 30DRAFT: 1st round 2004

Led the American League in strikeouts and innings pitched for the third time in four seasons, topping all of baseball in both categories this time, and had a career-high (and AL-best) six complete games. Verlander finished a close second in the Cy Young voting to Tampa’s David Price. Signed a five-year, $140 million extension on eve of season. Will be the Tigers’ Opening Day starter for the sixth straight year.

’12 stats: 17-8, 2.64 ERA, 238.1 IP, 239 K/60 BB

Max ScherzerStarting pitcher

No. 37THROWS: RBATS: RHEIGHT: 6-3

WEIGHT: 220AGE: 28DRAFT: 1st round 2006 (by ARZ)

Finished second in baseball to only teammate Justin Verlander in strikeouts, leading the big leagues with an 11.08 strikeout-per-9-inning rate, posting career highs in wins (16) and K’s (231). Struck out at least eight in 10 straight starts late in the season, the first Tigers pitcher in the modern era to do so, and

’12 stats: 16-7, 3.74 ERA, 187.2 IP, 231 K/60 BB

Doug FisterStarting pitcher

No. 58THROWS: RBATS: LHEIGHT: 6-8

WEIGHT: 210AGE: 29DRAFT: 7th round 2006 (by SEA)

Sidelined twice with muscle injuries in his side, the 2012 was up-and-down for Fister, as he went 2-6 before the All-Star break, and 8-4 after it. His resurgent second half was punctuated by his dazzling start against the Royals in late September, when he set a new American League record (nine) for consecutive strikeouts.

’12 stats: 10-10, 3.45 ERA, 161.2 IP, 137 K/37 BB

Anibal SanchezStarting pitcher

No. 19THROWS: RBATS: RHEIGHT: 6-0

WEIGHT: 205AGE: 29DRAFT: none (signed as non-drafted FA by Boston in 2001) Acquired at the trade deadline from Miami, along with infielder Omar Infante, for a package of prospects, including Jacob Turner and Rob Brantly. Went 4-6 with a 3.74 ERA for the Tigers, but got stronger as he went on, culminating in three stellar postseason starts (1.77 ERA). Was re-signed to a five-year, $80 million contract in the offseason.

’12 stats: 9-13, 3.86 ERA, 195.2 IP, 167 K/48 BB

Rick PorcelloStarting pitcher

No. 21THROWS: RBATS: RHEIGHT: 6-5

WEIGHT: 200AGE: 24DRAFT: 1st round 2007

Went back to basics after arguably the worst of his four big-league seasons, where he led MLB in hits allowed (226), and allowed opponents to hit .310. He scrapped the slider in favor of the curveball, went back to his high school windup, and will wear his high school number, after giving No. 48 to Torii Hunter — and it paid off. He won the competition with Drew Smyly for the final spot in the rotation with a stellar spring training.

’12 stats: 10-12, 4.59 ERA, 176.1 IP, 107 K/44 BB

Drew SmylyLong relieverNo. 33

THROWS: LBATS: LHEIGHT: 6-3

WEIGHT: 190AGE: 23DRAFT: 2nd round 2010

Earned a chance to compete with Porcello for the final spot in the 2013 rotation after a stellar rookie campaign, where he became the first modern-era rookie to give up one or fewer runs in his first four career starts. Wound up in the bullpen after the Tigers traded for Anibal Sanchez, but was a valuable contributor in that role in the playoffs.

’12 stats: 4-3, 3.99 ERA, 99.1 IP, 94 K/33 BB

Joaquin BenoitRelief pitcher

No. 53THROWS: RBATS: RHEIGHT: 6-3

WEIGHT: 220AGE: 35DRAFT: None

Had a rough stretch in the middle of the season, when he couldn’t keep the ball in the park, and wound up allowing 14 home runs, most among AL relievers. Still wound up being the most consistent and reliable member of a bullpen that had issues as a whole with consistency and reliability, appearing in a career-high 73 games. Surrendered just one unearned run in a 13-outing stretch in May-June. Will be one who likely gets save chances in closer-by-committee setup.

’12 stats: 5-3, 3.68 ERA, 73 G, 71.0 IP, 84 K/22 BB, 30 holds

Octavio DotelRelief pitcher

No. 20THROWS: RBATS: RHEIGHT: 6-0

WEIGHT: 230AGE: 39DRAFT: None

Dotel club option was picked up after a successful first season with the Tigers, giving the well-traveled reliever a unusual measure of stability. Started strong, not allowing a run over his first nine appearances, then went 4-0 with a 1.75 ERA in July-August. Limited RH hitters to a .197 batting average. Has by far the most saves among the closer-by-committee crew with 109 in his 14-year career.

’12 stats: 5-3, 3.57 ERA, 57 G, 58.0 IP, 62 K/12 BB, 11 holds

Phil CokeRelief pitcherNo. 40

THROWS: LBATS: LHEIGHT: 6-1

WEIGHT: 210AGE: 30DRAFT: 26th round 2002 (by NYY)

Coke went from struggling situational lefty at midseason to lights-out closer in the postseason, inheriting the role by default when Jose Valverde fell apart. His 5.82 ERA post-All-Star break was despite a streak of 11 straight scoreless outings in August-September. Appeared in all four ALCS games, picking up two saves, then struck out the first seven batters he faced in the World Series, a WS record. Has the only postseason saves among the closer-by-committee crew.

’12 stats: 2-3, 4.00 ERA, 66 G, 54.0 IP, 51 K/18 BB, 20 holds

Brayan VillarrealRelief pitcher

No. 60THROWS: RBATS: RHEIGHT: 6-0

WEIGHT: 170AGE: 25DRAFT: None (signed as non-drafted FA in 2005) Despite not being on the Opening Day roster, Villarreal wound up fifth on the team with 50 appearances, and had a stellar first half (3-2, 1.55 ERA) before leveling off in the second half (0-3, 3.86 ERA). Equally dangerous against right-handed (.206 batting average against) and left-handed (.190 BAA) hitters. Will get some looks to close games, but is one that manager Jim Leyland feels you have to watch, so he doesn’t get overused.

’12 stats: 3-5, 2.63 ERA, 50 G, 54.2 IP, 66 K/28 BB, 10 holds

Al AlburquerqueRelief pitcher

No. 62THROWS: RBATS: RHEIGHT: 6-0

WEIGHT: 195AGE: 26DRAFT: None (signed by Cubs as non-drafted FA in 2003) Did not return from elbow surgery in the 2011-12 offseason until September, then allowed just two earned runs in 15.2 innings of work between the end of the regular season and the postseason. Earned a postseason win in Game 2 of the ALDS.

’12 stats: 0-0, 0.68 ERA, 8 G, 13.1 IP, 18 K/8 BB, 1 hold

Darin DownsRelief pitcherNo. 38

THROWS: LBATS: RHEIGHT: 6-3

WEIGHT: 208AGE: 28DRAFT: 5th round 2003 (by Cubs)

Signed as a minor league free agent in November, 2011, Downs was one of the feel-good stories of the 2012 season, finally making it to the big leagues after nearly having his career derailed three years earlier by a wicked come-backer that cracked his skull. Despite good numbers after his July call-up, Downs was left off the playoff roster.

’12 stats: 2-1, 3.48 ERA, 18 G, 20.2 IP, 20 K/9 BB

Victor MartinezDesignated hitter/catcher/first base

No. 41THROWS: RBATS: SHEIGHT: 6-2

WEIGHT: 210AGE: 34DRAFT: None (signed as a non-drafted FA in 1996 by CLE) Missed all of the 2012 season after injuring his knee in an offseason workout in January, requiring microfracture surgery. The four-time All-Star’s bat was missed in the middle of the lineup, where his AL-best .394 batting average with runners in scoring position in 2011 would have come in handy. Will be the primary DH, but could see time at first to spell Prince Fielder, and possibly behind the plate in interleague play.

’11 stats: .330 AVG./.380 OBP/.470 SLG, 12 HR, 40-2B, 103 RBI, 76 R

Brayan PenaCatcher/first base

No. 55THROWS: RBATS: SHEIGHT: 5-9

WEIGHT: 225AGE: 31DRAFT: None (signed as a non-drafted FA in 2000 by ATL) The free-agent acquisition takes the place of Gerald Laird as Alex Avila’s primary back-up behind the plate, as the switch-hitting catcher will get the nod against left-handed pitching. Had a career-high 25 RBI for the Royals in 2012, and hit .320 with runners in scoring position.

’12 stats: .236 BA/.262 OBP/.321 SLG, 68 G, 14 XBH, 25 RBI, 16 R

Alex AvilaCatcherNo. 13THROWS: R

BATS: LHEIGHT: 5-11WEIGHT: 210

AGE: 26DRAFT: 5th round 2008Battling knee and leg injuries for much of the season, Avila was a shadow of his All-Star and Silver Slugger self from 2011, offensively, as 50 points dropped off his batting average, and his home run and RBI totals were halved. Still was third among all AL catchers in throwing out 26.2 percent of would-be base stealers.

’12 stats: .243 BA/.352 OBP/.384 SLG, 9 HR, 48 RBI, 21-2B

Prince FielderFirst baseNo. 28

BATS: LTHROWS: RHEIGHT: 5-11

WEIGHT: 275AGE: 28DRAFT: 1st round 2002 draft (by MIL)

For the second straight year, provided protection for an MVP, this time batting behind Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera. Was the starting first baseman for the AL in the All-Star Game, after winning the Home Run Derby. Has the longest active streak of games played (343) in MLB. Ranked in the top 10 in the AL in six major offensive categories, including hitting a career-high .313, earning his third career Silver Slugger Award.

’12 stats: .313 BA/.412 OBP/.528 SLG, 30 HR, 108 RBI, 33-2B, 83 R

Miguel CabreraThird baseNo. 24

BATS: RTHROWS: RHEIGHT: 6-4

WEIGHT: 250AGE: 29DRAFT: None

Passed Josh Hamilton for the AL home run lead in the final weeks of the season, capturing the first Triple Crown since 1967, and earning himself the American League MVP — the first native of Venezuela to win that honor, and the second Tigers hitter (Ty Cobb, 1909). Also won a Silver Slugger, the Sporting News’ Player of the Year honors, and the AL Hank Aaron award.

’12 stats: .330 BA/.393 OBP/.606 SLG, 44 HR, 40-2B, 139 RBI, 109 R

Omar InfanteSecond baseNo. 4

BATS: RTHROWS: RHEIGHT: 5-11

WEIGHT: 197DRAFT: Signed as a non-drafted FA in 1999 The other part of the trade-deadline haul from the Marlins, Infante settled the revolving door at second base for the Tigers, returning to the franchise after more than a four-year absence. Struggled both offensively and defensively in his first few games with the Tigers, but settled in eventually, before breaking his hand in the final game of the World Series.

Like Alex Avila, Peralta was another 2011 All-Star who saw a precipitous decline in his offensive stats in 2012, coming up 60 points short in average, and with eight fewer HRs and 23 fewer RBI, before waking up in the playoffs. Despite the offensive struggles — and belying a well-understood limitation on his range — Peralta still ranked second among AL shortstops with a .988 fielding percentage, and fourth among MLB shortstops with an Ultimate Zone Rating of 9.9. Went 75 games without an error from June 21-September 18.

’12 stats: .239 BA/.305 OBP/.384 SLG, 13 HR, 32-2B, 63 RBI, 58 R

Ramon SantiagoInfielderNo. 39

THROWS: RBATS: SHEIGHT: 5-11

WEIGHT: 175AGE: 33DRAFT: None

After looking around for a full-time gig, Santiago re-signed with the Tigers on a two-year deal, but struggled mightily in year one of the contract, hitting just .130 after the All-Star break. On the recommendation of the organization, Santiago played in the Dominican Winter League again, hitting .325. Got the final roster spot on the bench in a close call over Danny Worth.

’12 stats: .206 BA/.283 OBP/.272 SLG, 10 XBH, 17 RBI, 19 R

Austin JacksonCenter fieldNo. 14

THROWS: RBATS: RHEIGHT: 6-1

WEIGHT: 185AGE: 26DRAFT: 8th round 2005 (by NYY)

After eliminating the leg kick from his swing, Jackson went on to establish career highs in home runs (16) and RBI (66), hitting .300 for the first time in his three-year big-league career. Was the Tigers Player of the Month in June, after returning from a month-long stint on the disabled list with an abdominal strain. Jackson put together a 16-game hitting streak midseason, as well as a 13-game scoring streak. Led the AL in triples (10) and was fifth in runs scored (103).

The nine-time Gold Glove winner chose Detroit as his desired destination after the Angels made it clear he wasn’t a priority to re-sign, agreeing to a two-year, $26 million deal early in the offseason. Like he had with the Angels at the end of his five-year stint there, Hunter will hit second and play right field, solidifying both spots. Hit .300 for the first time in his 13-year career, including .344 with runners in scoring position, and .340 against LHP, a weakness of the Tigers in 2012.

Missed two months midseason with achilles tendinitis, limiting him to just 88 games in his first full MLB season, but was good enough when healthy to all but ensure himself of a starting job in 2013. Will be the primary starter in left field, especially when there is a right-hander on the mound for the opposition — Dirks hit .336 vs. RHP in 2012.

’12 stats: .322 BA/.370 OBP/.487 SLG, 8 HR, 5-3B, 18-2B, 35 RBI, 56 R

Matt TuiasosopoOutfielder/infielder

No. 68THROWS: RBATS: RHEIGHT: 6-2

WEIGHT: 225AGE: 26DRAFT: 3rd round 2004 (SEA)

A non-roster invitee to spring camp, the journeyman earned himself a spot on the big-league roster with a torrid spring, after a slow start. He’ll be the right-handed complement to Dirks in left field, playing primarily against left-handed starters, but also has the versatility to play either of the corner infield positions, if need be.

Designated for assignment late in the season, then re-signed, Kelly made it back to the Tigers in September, and won Game 2 of the ALDS with a sacrifice fly in extra innings. Still struggled mightily at the bat in 2012, and was removed from the roster shortly after the World Series, then brought back on a minor-league deal. Won a job with a superb spring in 2013.